Pfizer shots protect kids from severe COVID even in omicron

photo credit: Felton Davis / CC BY 2.0

A new government report shows Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine gave children five and older strong protection against hospitalization and death even during the omicron surge.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released the new data Tuesday. A day earlier, a study from New York raised the question of whether the vaccine is less effective in children ages five to 11, especially against milder infections.

Younger kids get a smaller dose than teens, but CDC data from additional states doesn’t suggest an age problem.

Vaccines generally are less effective against omicron infection but still protect against severe outcomes.